Research Assistant II/III/IV - Infectious Diseases - Way Lab

Cincinnati Children's; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 20,570 - 25,720; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Cincinnati is seeking a Research Assistant to support innovative immunological research aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes. The role involves mentoring junior staff, maintaining laboratory equipment, and designing experiments. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree, strong skills in molecular biology and immunology, and experience with techniques like flow cytometry. This full-time position offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities to contribute to impactful research.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience OR Master's degree in a related field.
• 3 years of experience in related job discipline OR Master's degree and 2 years experience.

Responsibilities

• Support innovative immunological research.
• Act as a mentor and provide education to junior staff.
• Troubleshoot and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Design and perform experiments, record and analyze data.
• Share knowledge with team members and contribute to their growth.

Skills

Molecular biology

Mouse models

Immunology

Flow cytometry

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

As a Research Assistant in the Way Lab at Cincinnati Children’s, you will support innovative immunological research aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes and enhancing newborn immunity. The lab investigates critical questions such as why mothers and babies tolerate each other immunologically, and how newborns adapt to the microbial-rich world at birth. These studies not only address urgent public health challenges like prematurity, infection, and stillbirth, but also offer insights into autoimmunity, transplantation, and cancer. Ideal candidates will bring experience in molecular biology, mouse models, and immunology, with proficiency in techniques such as flow cytometry. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research in a mission-driven environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Leadership – may act as a mentor to more junior staff, serve as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance, and work direction. May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development, and performance management.
• Lab Administration – troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment, provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) training according to regulations, maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks, maintain inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment, operate laboratory apparatus and equipment, assist in daily operations of the laboratory including answering phone, maintaining lab supplies, organization, and cleanliness, provide appropriate oversight for all required compliance issues as requested by the Principal Investigator.
• Develop, set‑up, and verify new procedures in the lab – standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques; participate in the development of new assays and testing of new protocols; modify existing procedures as necessary to troubleshoot or make modifications based on changes in research design.
• Design and perform experiments and record data – follow and formulate both existing and new research protocols; independently reproduce, evaluate, research, and improve techniques currently used; analyze data, perform statistical and graphical analysis of data, and interpret results; maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments; assist in training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques and equipment; contribute and write material for reports, publications, journal articles, and abstracts; maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations, and publications.
• Serve as a resource – demonstrate advanced competence in specific knowledge, skills, and behaviors; effectively communicate with team members and contribute to their growth by sharing knowledge, experience, and skills; stay abreast of changes in key systems; serve as an expert resource to the department, and/or hospital in specific area(s).

Job Qualifications

• Required for RAII: High school diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline OR.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Required for RAIII

• Bachelor's degree in a related field AND 1 year of directly related experience OR Master's degree in a related field.

Required for RAIV

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 3 years of experience in related job discipline OR Master's degree and 2 years experience.

Expected Starting Range: 20.57 – 25.72 (RAII); 50,544‑62,150.40 (RAIII); 56,846.40‑72,488 (RAIV).

Primary Location: S

Schedule: Full time

Shift: Day (United States of America)

Department: Infectious Diseases

Employee Status: Regular

FTE: 1

Weekly Hours: 40

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability